Meet the Resident: Jaine Onwezi-Nwugwo, DO

Get to know Jaine Onwezi-Nwugwo, DO

Career goal: Gastroenterology 

“Being a resident at Lehigh Valley Health Network means being part of a community that values growth, teamwork, resilience and compassionate care.”

What makes your Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) training program different from others across the country?

One thing that makes training at Lehigh Valley Health Network unique is the balance between high-acuity clinical training and a genuinely supportive environment. As a resident, you are trusted early, challenged to grow and exposed to a diverse patient population, but you never feel like you are doing it alone. There is a strong culture of teaching here – attendings are approachable and love to teach, senior residents are invested in helping you learn the system and the program truly values resident wellness and professional development. 

What has been an extraordinary part of your training experience so far?

Training here has shown me the importance of communication, cultural humility, advocacy, and continuity in patient care. Coming from a diverse background myself, I’ve valued caring for patients from many different walks of life and learning how to meet people where they are. 

What is one memory you have from your training so far that will stick with you for your career?

During my second week of residency, I received a devastating phone call while I was in clinic. Even though my co-residents and I had only known each other for about two weeks, in that moment they truly felt like family. Without hesitation, everyone immediately stepped in to help cover for me so I could attend to the situation. That moment showed me the true culture of the program – one rooted in compassion, teamwork and genuine support for one another. 

It spoke volumes to me, and it’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career because it reminded me that medicine is not meant to be practiced alone. The support we give one another behind the scenes is just as meaningful as the care we provide to patients. 

What is one piece of advice you would share with someone as they select a training program?

When selecting a training program, pay close attention to the people and the culture just as much as the clinical training. Residency is one of the most demanding and formative periods of your life, so you want to be in an environment where you feel supported, valued and able to grow. Look for a program where residents genuinely support one another, faculty are approachable and you can see yourself thriving both personally and professionally. 

What does it mean to be a resident at LVHN?

To me, being a resident at Lehigh Valley Health Network means being part of a community that values growth, teamwork, resilience and compassionate care. It means showing up every day ready to learn, advocate for patients and support one another through both the challenges and rewarding moments of training. It has been an experience that has pushed me academically while also helping me grow into a more grounded and empathetic physician.